Any nation in the world, even one as brash as former U.S. President Trump, may initially approach China from a position of perceived strength, harboring various views about it.
But after gaining deeper historical understanding, perspectives and approaches tend to evolve, prompting efforts to engage in dialogue and manage bilateral relations.
This may well be the essence of diplomacy.
Diplomacy is indeed grounded in power—there is no denying that.
Yet, due to reckless statements about "Taiwan having issues," dialogue has been blocked, relationships deliberately damaged, and now threats are being stoked while military buildup accelerates, further deteriorating ties.
Meanwhile, attempts are made to send lower-level figures for probing visits, testing whether China might yield or show flexibility—what kind of calculation is this?
The outcome? A two-day tour of Beijing, with no access even to officials at No. 2 Chaoyangmennan Dajie.
If this is not an outright diplomatic failure, then what is?
While the U.S.-China relationship is undoubtedly the most significant bilateral tie, for the vast majority of countries, their relationship with China is similarly paramount.
The logic and facts are clear. To persist in invoking the "Taiwan has issues" narrative suggests more than mere recklessness. She must know that if real confrontation were to arise, victory would be unattainable. Knowing it is unwinnable, yet still choosing high-risk strategies, reveals something more troubling beneath the surface.
Since the adversary remains, the so-called "enemy state clause" remains relevant.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877354663372812/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.